DJ Express | A Celebration of Black Excellence

“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.”

-Plato

I have always thought there was a whole new level of cool whenever I hear a woman is in an occupation that is more commonly filled by men. The list is endless of these types of occupations, and no doubt, being a DJ is one of them.

Meet DJ Express.

Beneath this San Jose native’s quiet demeanor lies a deep love and passion for all kinds of music and for me, a Bay Area native who also believes that music truly does have a soul language all it’s own, you can just imagine how excited I was to have her and her work represented in this series.

In our time together, I got to learn a little more about her journey as a DJ, her inspirations as an artist, her hopes as a young professional, post collegiate years, and her family background as an Eritrean black woman.

An early morning photoshoot in some of my favorite areas of downtown San Jose getting to know this awesome individual was, needless to say, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday.

I am honored to share with you all today’s spotlight profile on this talented and incredible woman, DJ Express.

Images | Heartbox Photography

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Tell us a bit more about your background - where are you from, what inspired you to be a DJ?

“[I was] born and raised in San Jose, CA – the daughter of two Eritrean immigrants. There are two DJs I met at events in the East Bay Area that inspired me to take this seriously: Eden Hagos – an Eritrean woman DJ that had one of the most versatile yet well-mixed sets I’ve listened to and another DJ that was able to read and vibe off his crowd in a way I haven’t seen DJs do in a long while.”

“[I am most proud of] being able to identify myself as an Eritrean black woman. I am proud of the bloodline I’m from and being able to live my purpose representing my people.”

 What is something most people might now know about you?

“Love musicals and Broadway. Going to performing arts schools growing up, I had a chance to participate and grew to love the production that goes behind these shows.”

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 Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“My dad and brothers play a huge influence my life. Each of them pursued goals that others would say are unthinkable, then achieved them, usually being the first in their specialties to do so. Their persistence, drive, humility, and faith in God have always reminded me to stay true to my vision.”

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What is the best advice you've ever received?

“People have the right to hate you for no reason.” - my dad

“They say every man is defined by his reaction to any given situation. Well, who would you want to define you…someone else? Or yourself? Whatever you do homie, give your heart to it, and stay strong.” - The late, “Tha Great” Nipsey Hussle.”

Who/what inspires you and why?

“Jadav Payeng – who spent 37 years of his life planting trees to restore the oasis he grew up on in Majuli island which was destroyed due to human deforestation.

Every day (for about a total of 13,505 times) this man would walk to the destroyed barren and plant a tree. Mr. Payeng single handedly grew a forest twice the size of Central Park and brought back hundreds of animals to the oasis.”

“When I feel hopeless about the current climate, I think about him, and ways I can create daily habits that will lead to accomplishing a greater purpose.”

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 If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“Archbishop Desmund Tutu – to have a conversation with him regarding how his faith lead him during the apartheid in South Africa.”

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What does "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you?

“As a DJ , I  honor and celebrate black excellence by making sure I buy from/work with black businesses, support and promote black creatives on my radio show/sets, unapologetically work with venues that respect their black patrons and wear and accessorize items that I’ve bought from black business owners during my live sets. (I.E. glasses, makeup and earrings in this photoshoot were purchased from black women-owned businesses.)”

Dr. Mayen Udoetuk | A Celebration of Black Excellence

“Who you are surrounded by often determines who you become.” 

-Vicky Saunders

“Honored” doesn’t even come close to fully describing how I feel as I continue to be privileged to meet and learn more about women like Dr. Mayen Udoetuk.

My first connection with her was about a year ago at a panel discussion she organized here in the Silicon Valley addressing the topic of women in leadership and diversity and inclusion. I was one of the members in the audience and what I remembered walking away with was an even more solidified belief that women have much value to bring to the table and to the discussion. I think that having a willingness to learn is one of the greatest attributes in a true leader and Dr. Udoetuk, having led such an important discussion, is an example of that.

She is no doubt a role model in many respects for others and to have her included in this series that celebrates Black excellence inspires me deeply - to do work that is meaningful, to see the richness in people’s stories, and to be extremely thankful for the people who have helped me along my own path.

Without further ado, I am proud to share with you today’s spotlight on Dr. Mayen Udoetuk.

Images | Heartbox Photography

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“I'm from Houston, Texas. I first fell in love with chemistry from listening to my mom explain the world around me, but also from watching countless episodes of "Bill Nye The Science Guy" and "The Magic School Bus". After years of undergraduate training, summers spent in various university research labs, and conducting on-campus research during each semester, I earned my BS in Chemistry.

Afterwards, I went directly into a Master degree program for Microelectronics-photonics (a type of engineering). Though I was initially intrigued by that field and the bioanalytical chemistry research I was conducting at the time, I became more interested in what was happening to me psychologically during such a strenuous learning process. That's when I found out about educational psychology. Since then, I've earned a Masters and a Doctorate in the field, and have crafted my career around it.

I'm most proud of my resilience, my humanity, and my creativity. Each one of these attributes has helped me thrive when I wanted to give up, to be humble enough to ask for and receive assistance when needed, and to exemplify creative problem solving in my personal and professional lives. “    

What is something most people might not know about you?

“There's a lot people don't know about me. One thing I don't mind sharing is that despite my extrovert tendencies, I'm an introvert through and through. Most people also don't know that I'm a creative regarding resin work, flower pressing, dancing, playing piano, and drawing. I've spent so much of my life being focused on my career that I never really shared those aspects of myself until recently.”

Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“I've been blessed with so many people who have had huge, positive influences on my life. To name a few: Dr. Jim Hammons introduced me to the world of education and how to thrive in it; my mentors and good friends Dr. Carol Bunch Davis, Dr. Liz Borda, and Dr. Juan Sanchez taught me to lean into my strengths and be accounted for with each new professional milestone and challenge; my mom and good friend Dr. Kenyatta Dawson taught me to embrace my creative self wholeheartedly; my mom and dad taught me to be courageous when taking calculated risks; and my inner circle of "sista friends" taught me what it means to cultivate sisterhood.”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“I'd love to meet my maternal great -grandmother and grandmother, as well as my paternal grandmother. I can only imagine the warnings and wisdom they'd share.”

“The people who inspire me most are those that came from very little or nothing, yet still found a way to make something extraordinary with their lives while also blessing others in the process.

When you're raised in an environment that focuses on survival, it's extremely difficult to evolve your mindset and behavior. Those that find a way out of vicious cycles for themselves and for others through constructive means are the true MVPs.”

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What does honoring and celebrating Black excellence mean to you personally?

“Honoring and celebrating Black excellence is alchemy exemplified. Alchemy is "a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination". Or, to put it plainly, taking nothing and making it something.

There's no doubt in my mind that is indeed Black excellence.

We honor and celebrate it by not letting the work of our ancestors be in vain as we build upon their legacies while creating our own.”  

Michelle Toney | A Celebration of Black Excellence

“Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.

It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” 

- Mae Jemison

I had the pleasure of getting to know Michelle Toney in our chats before and after her photoshoot and even though her educational background and career are in areas that many would consider “serious” (as an adjunct professor in math/statistics and also in the world of finance!), Michelle reminds me more of the friend you spend hours laughing with while chatting about everything under the sun.

She was born and raised here in the Bay Area, in Vallejo. As a student at Vallejo High School, she played volleyball, basketball, and ran track. Michelle went on to earn her BA in Math/Statistics at San Jose State University as well as an MA in Business Management at the University of Phoenix. As a local Hayward resident, she is an avid traveler, loves to enjoy great food and has a passion for all things that advocate for living a healthy life through exercise, self-care, and probably the most important thing, the daily medicine that is laughter. #amen

It goes without saying that Michelle is truly a #bosslady in life, in her work, and endeavors and I am beyond honored to highlight a bit of her story in today’s feature blog post with you all.

Happy Friday!

Images | Heartbox Photography

Wardrobe styling | Lisa Gaines

Makeup | Nancy Wetherholt

“My education background is Math / Statistics because I think math is fun and it is necessary for everyday life … especially if you want to be successful.

I’ve learned in the areas of finance, health care and manufacturing that math and statistics tell stories on how businesses are being run today and where it needs to be in the future.”

What are you most proud of in your life and why?

“I am proud to live the life I want and accept the good, the bad, and the ugly that goes with it.  I believe that’s I how I grow as a person and learn from the mistakes that I have made.  Plus, being surrounded by people who have similar life-style as me helps.”

What is something most people might now know about you?

“I am willing to work and partner with people where we both produce positive and productive outcomes/results.  Basically, have a “win-win” partnerships.”

Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“My parents have been influences in my life where they taught me to think before I make a decision and be prepared to face the consequences.  Most of my sport coaches have helped shaped me where I can contribute my strengths for the team, but reminded me to improve on the skills that need more work so I can grow and exceed to the next level in life.”

What is the best advice you've ever received?

“Stay out of other people’s business that does not involve me.”

Who/what inspires you and why?

“Having an opened mind is my inspiration.  By looking at the world from different perspectives allows me to help people on what they need to improve their lives.  I believe that most people in the world should travel and see/experience how others live and we could be live a little bit more harmony.”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“I want to meet my ancestors from the 1800s and thank them for their sacrifice and struggles they had to endure to get me where I am today… a single, black women who is a math and money genius, who is able to control her life without the limitations that they had to live. 

I am sure they would be very surprised, but be joyful that their hard work wasn’t done in vain.”

What does "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you?

”As a Science, Technology, Engineer and Math (STEM) affiliate, I honor our black inventors and scientists by letting folks (young and old, regardless of race) know who they are. 

Unfortunately, most people don’t know that Afro-Americans created the stop light, Super Soaker water gun, filament inside a light bulb, cotton gin, elevator, gas mask, the golf tee, etc.   

I believe I’m one of the many folks who want to share information so they can get a better sense on how to respect people, regards of their gender, race, religion, economic background, and love interests.”

Lisa Gaines | A Celebration of Black Excellence

It is no secret to anyone in the world today that we are certainly living in times where conversations on race are long overdue. Though I am only one person with a camera, I came to realize that everyone can contribute something to keep advocating for change - even a portrait photographer like me. Lisa was one of the first women I spoke with when I had the idea to do a series that celebrated and told the stories of Black women from the Bay Area - in short, to give honor to Black excellence that these women exemplify in both their personal and professional lives and share it with the world.

I am honored to share with you all today’s feature highlight on this phenomenal woman, Lisa Gaines.

“I  grew up in the true South, in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.  I am originally from North Carolina.  From a young age, I knew I had a passion for fashion.  I loved to play dress up and an invitation to attend any soiree that required a dress, tights and patent leather shoes was high on my list of favorite things.  I had the opportunity to model into my 20’s.  My path to California and to the field of image consulting and color analysis was somewhat circuitous.  I utilized my Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Georgia Tech while working for a commercial printing firm and, shortly after my marriage, my husband and I moved to California.  I began managing a multi-million dollar revenue retail store in the Bay Area."

After having my first child, I put a lot of focus on raising my family, but my heart always brought me back to fashion or fitness.  I was a successful Fashion Coordinator for a large clothing line.  A chance introduction to my image and color mentor by a mutual friend launched me into a passion for supporting women 40 and over who have a desire to step into a new season in their lives and need a fashion-infused confidence boost. I’ve been working with clients for 6 years helping them to express their true essence in their signature style. 

My clients feel a renewed sense of self and purpose and realize the confidence to pursue their passions.  I firmly believe age is just a number and I want to bring as many women as I can to “the sweeter side of life”, so they can be free to be who they are, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, fully aligned and shining brightly!

I am very proud of the time that I spent as a stay-at-home mom.  It was never something I envisioned for myself, but it was a season of my life that brought me a lot of joy...to be able to be there for my kids, every day, and to witness their development into amazing people.  And I have to say I am very proud of how my journey and all the things that I have done and experiences I’ve had and some of the most amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet have all brought me to where I am today. It’s fueled my passion for modeling for women being of “a certain age” doesn’t have to be a limitation for them and that tapping into their authentic self opens up opportunities they could never imagine.”

Besides fashion, my other passion is for dance.  I love all forms of dance and if I had had my druthers, I would have been a professional dancer.  My very pragmatic father convinced me that I wouldn’t make a lot of money in that sort of career, so I let it go and pursued another avenue. I find ways to dance anytime, though.  I do tap, jazz, have even taught Zumba and until about a year ago, danced professionally with an African Drum and Dance cultural group in the Bay Area.  I cannot hear good music and not move my body.  It’s in my blood!”

Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

“My mother is probably the biggest influence in my life. 

She has always been a go-getter and does everything she pursues with excellence. She taught me to believe in myself and never give up and even now that she lives with my family, she is still my biggest cheerleader!”

What is the best advice you've ever received?

“Before I got married, I was told, never to go to bed angry at my husband.  It’s something I have always followed and I believe it is big part of the reason my husband and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this year.”

Who/what inspires you and why?

“I am always inspired by other women’s success.  What I have learned is that one woman’s success equates to the success of all women.  If a woman is doing the same thing as you, you’re not competitors,  you’re sisters.  When women collaborate and join their talents and creativity together, they are so much more powerful than they are alone.”

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

“I think I would love to meet Nina Simone.  She was a strong and beautiful black woman who used her powerful voice and artistic genius for social justice.  Her musical legacy is a testament to the struggle for equality and civil rights of  Black people and her message was a catalyst for social change in her time. I’d be curious to learn how she sees how much or little things have changed since she’s been gone.  I’d like to know her thoughts about the BLM movement and how she would be making her voice heard in 2020.”

What does "honoring and celebrating black excellence" mean to you personally? 

“It means shining a light on the achievements and contributions of black men and women who are continuing the legacy of excellence that has always been a part of our culture. 

So many things that we take for granted in this world were developed, designed, or patented by Black people but the history has been re-written, glossed over, or outright changed to diminish or delete their contributions. 

In order to preserve and protect that legacy, it is important to highlight and promote the achievements and contributions continuing to be made and to dispel the negative and erroneous stereotypes that are still prevalent in society.”